U.S. patent application number 13/788759 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for integrated metal detector-portable medical device.
This patent application is currently assigned to ASPECT IMAGING LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is ASPECT IMAGING LTD.. Invention is credited to Uri RAPOPORT.
Application Number | 20140257081 13/788759 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51488642 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140257081 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RAPOPORT; Uri |
September 11, 2014 |
Integrated metal detector-portable medical device
Abstract
An integrated metal detector-portable medical device adapted to
identify metals in a human body, where the metal detector is in
connection with the portable medical device. The metal detector
includes: at least one transmitting means adapted to generate a
second magnetic field so as to induce a magnetic field generated by
a metal; at least one sensor adapted to detect a magnetic field
generated by the metals to be detected; and at least one signaling
means adapted, upon detection of a magnetic field, to alert the
identification of metals, if the intensity of a magnetic field is
above a predetermined value.
Inventors: |
RAPOPORT; Uri; (Moshav Ben
Shemen, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ASPECT IMAGING LTD. |
Shoham |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
ASPECT IMAGING LTD.
Shoham
IL
|
Family ID: |
51488642 |
Appl. No.: |
13/788759 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/409 ;
600/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 7/00 20130101; A61B
5/062 20130101; A61B 5/05 20130101; A61B 5/742 20130101; A61B
5/7455 20130101; A61B 7/02 20130101; A61B 5/7405 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/409 ;
600/424 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/06 20060101
A61B005/06; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; A61B 7/02 20060101
A61B007/02; A61B 5/05 20060101 A61B005/05; A61B 1/00 20060101
A61B001/00 |
Claims
1. An integrated metal detector-portable medical device adapted to
identify metals in a human body, wherein said metal detector is in
connection with said portable medical device.
2. A metal detector (110) adapted to identify metals in connection
with a human body, comprising: a. at least one transmitting means
adapted to generate a second magnetic field so as to induce said
magnetic field (111) generated by said metal, selected from a group
consisting of: (i) antenna; (ii) conductive coil; and any
combination thereof; b. at least one sensor adapted to detect said
magnetic field generated by said metals to be detected; c. at least
one signaling means (112) adapted, upon detection of said magnetic
field, to alert the identification of said metals, if the intensity
of said magnetic field is above a predetermined value; wherein said
metal detector is embedded within a portable medical device
(100).
3. A metal detector for identifying metals in connection with a
human body for the prevention of gossypiboma, comprising: a. at
least one transmitting means adapted to induce magnetic field
generated by said metals to be detected selected from a group
consisting of: (1) antenna; (2) conductive coil; and any
combination thereof; b. at least one sensor adapted to detect said
magnetic field generated by said metals to be detected; c. at least
one signaling means; wherein said at least one transmitting means
and/or said at least one sensor are embedded within either the
distal end or the proximal end of an endoscope; further wherein
said signaling means are adapted, upon detection of said magnetic
field, to alert the identification of said metals, if the intensity
of said magnetic field generated is above a predetermined value so
as to prevent gossypiboma.
4. The metal detector according to claim 1, wherein said metal
detector comprises at least one first sensor, at least one second
sensor and at least one third sensor; said at least one first
sensor is adapted to detect a first direction, X, of said magnetic
field generated by said metals; said at least one second sensor is
adapted to detect a second direction, Y, of said magnetic field
generated by said metals; said at least one third sensor is adapted
to detect a third direction, Z, of said magnetic field generated by
said metals; said second direction, Y, is substantially orthogonal
to said first direction, X, and said third direction, Z; said first
direction, X, is substantially orthogonal to said third direction,
Z, and said second direction, Y.
5. The metal detector according claim 1, wherein said sensor is at
least one radiometer.
6. The metal detector according claim 1, wherein said signal is
selected from a group consisting of (a) audible signal, (b) visual
signal, (c) sensible signal, and any combination thereof.
7. The metal detector according claim 1, wherein the intensity of
said signal is in function of at least one parameter selected from
a group consisting of: depth of said metals from said surface of
said human body, the type of said metal, the quantity of said
metals, and any combination thereof.
8. The metal detector according claim 2, wherein said portable
medical device is a stethoscope, comprising: (a) at least one chest
piece (1); (b) at least one ear tip (2); and (c) tubing (3).
9. The metal detector according claim 7, wherein said at least one
sensor and said at least one signaling means embedded within at
least one selected from a group consisting of: (a) said chest
piece, (b) said ear tip, (c) said tubing, and a combination
thereof.
10. The metal detector according claim 3, wherein said proximal end
of said endoscope is located outside said human body and said
distal end of said endoscope is reversibly inserted within said
body.
11. A method for identifying detectable metals in a human body and
underneath the surface of said human, comprises steps of: a.
providing a metal detector (110) comprising: i. at least one
transmitting means adapted to induce magnetic field generated by
said metals to be detected selected from a group consisting of: (1)
antenna; (2) conductive coil; and any combination thereof; ii. at
least one sensor (111); iii. at least one signaling means (112); b.
inducing a magnetic field to be generated by said metals to be
detected; c. sensing said magnetic field; d. if the intensity of
said magnetic field is above a predetermined threshold, identifying
the presence of said detectable metals by said magnetic sensor; e.
sending a signal, thereby alerting said detection of said
detectable metals; wherein said step of providing said metal
detector further comprising step of embedding said metal detector
within a portable medical device (100).
12. The method according claim 11, wherein additionally comprising
step of providing said metal detector with at least one first
sensor, at least one second sensor and at least one third sensor;
said at least one first sensor is adapted to detect a first
direction, X, of said magnetic field generated by said metals; said
at least one second sensor is adapted to detect a second direction,
Y, of said magnetic field generated by said metals; said at least
one third sensor is adapted to detect a third direction, Z, of said
magnetic field generated by said metals; said second direction, Y,
is substantially orthogonal to said first direction, X, and said
third direction, Z; said first direction, X, is substantially
orthogonal to said third direction, Z, and said second direction,
Y.
13. The method according claim 11, additionally comprising step of
generating magnetic field in the vicinity of the metals to be
detected thereby inducing said magnetic field generated by said
metals to be detected.
14. The method according claim 11, wherein said step of generating
magnetic field is performed by at least one member of a group
consisting of pulsed magnetic field or an alternating magnetic
field, thereby inducing currents within said metals to be detected,
and generating said magnetic field.
15. The method according of claim 11, wherein said step of
signaling is alerting upon detection of said magnetic field, if the
flux of said magnetic field is above a predetermined value.
16. The method according claim 11, wherein said step of signaling
is selected from a group consisting of (a) audible signal, (b)
visual signal, (c) sensible signal, and any combination
thereof.
17. The method according claim 11, wherein said step of signaling,
the intensity of said signal is in function of at least one
parameter selected from a group consisting of depth of said metals
from said surface of said human body, the type of said metal, the
quantity of said metals and any combination thereof.
18. The method according claim 11, wherein said step of embedding
said metal detector within a portable medical device, said portable
medical device is stethoscope, which is comprised of: (a) at least
one chest piece (1); (b) at least one ear tip (2); (c) tubing (3)
and any combination thereof.
19. The method according claim 18, wherein said step of embedding
said metal detector to said portable medical device, at least one
said sensor and at least one said signaling means are embedded
within at least one selected from a group consisting of: a) at
least one chest piece (1); (b) at least one ear tip (2); (c) tubing
(3); and any combination thereof.
20. The method according claim 11, wherein said step of embedding
said metal detector within a portable medical device, said portable
medical device is an endoscope.
21. The method according claim 20, additionally comprising step of
locating said proximal end of said endoscope in the outside of said
human body and said distal end of said endoscope reversibly
inserting within said body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally pertains to means and
methods for screening subjects for metal containing objects inside
them, and more specifically, the invention relates to medical
devices, such as stethoscopes and endoscopes especially adapted to
treat gossypiboma and to methods thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] MRI machines produce magnetic force measured in tesla (T), a
unit of magnetic flux. Most MRI machines range between 1.0 T to 1.5
T, with more powerful units at 3.0 T. There are two features of a
magnetic field that are the source of most MRI incidents: (1)
projectile (missile effect) and (2) translational attraction. The
projectile effect causes ferrous-based materials, nickel alloys and
most stainless to be pulled violently toward the magnetic source.
Translational attraction occurs when one point of an object in a
magnetic field is attracted to a greater extent than the object's
furthest point from the attracting source. This differential
creates a more forceful attraction, increasing the speed with which
the object may move toward the magnetic source.
[0003] These effects make all metal containing objects highly
dangerous in the MRI environment. For example A hairpin or paper
clip within the 1-3 T line range could reach a velocity of 40 mph
and will be attracted to the center of the generated field (x, y
and z axis) where the lines of force are equal.
[0004] All pacemakers and implantable cardioverter/defibrillators
should be considered contraindicated under any circumstance in the
MRI room. When these devices are exposed to an MRI environment, a
life-threatening condition may be created within the 3 T line.
Intravascular catheters, intubation equipment, infusion pumps,
orthopedic implants, stents and other devices should be verified as
MRI-safe in the prescreening.
[0005] All patients, visitors, parents/guardians of patients and
MRI hospital personnel must pass through an MRI screening process
for entering the MRI room. To date, the screening process includes
questioning of the subject about to enter the MRI room. Questioning
is an important source of information but not always reliable. This
method depend on communication skills and memory of the subject
that are not always adequate to ensure safety. In addition to that
there is the possibility that responsible personnel forget to
question a patient about metals attached to him.
[0006] Thus there remains a long felt need for a reliable objective
method for screening subjects prior their entrance to the MRI room
that are not based on communicating with the subject. In addition,
this method should be carried out in parallel to another action so
that it will not be dependent on the memory of a staff person.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is one object of the present invention to provide an
integrated metal detector-portable medical device adapted to
identify metals in a human body, wherein the metal detector is
embedded within the portable medical device. It is acknowledged in
this respect that the term "embedded within" further refers to
terms as follows: "incorporated with", "comprises" and otherwise
"provided in remote or physical connection with".
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
metal detector for identifying metals in a human body, comprising:
at least one transmitting means adapted to induce magnetic field
generated by the metals to be detected; at least one sensor adapted
to detect the magnetic field generated by the metals to be
detected; and at least one signaling means adapted, upon detection
of the magnetic field, to alert the identification of the metals,
if the intensity of the magnetic field is above a predetermined
value; wherein the metal detector is embedded within a portable
medical device.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the at least one signaling
means adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field, to alert the
identification of the metals, if the flux of the magnetic field is
above a predetermined value.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the transmitting means are
adapted to generate a second magnetic field so as to induce the
magnetic field generated by the metal.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the sensor is at least one
radiometer.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the transmitting means is
an antenna or a conductive coil.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the metal detector
comprises at least one first sensor, at least one second sensor and
at least one third sensor; the at least one first sensor is adapted
to detect a first direction, X, of the magnetic field generated by
the metals; the at least one second sensor is adapted to detect a
second direction, Y, of the magnetic field generated by the metals;
the at least one third sensor is adapted to detect a third
direction, Z, of the magnetic field generated by the metals; the
second direction, Y, is substantially orthogonal to the first
direction, X, and the third direction, Z; the first direction, X,
is substantially orthogonal to the third direction, Z, and the
second direction, Y.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, additionally comprising processing
means in communication with the first sensor, second sensor and the
third sensor, adapted to analyze the first direction, X, second
direction, Y, and the third direction, Z so as to determine the 3D
position of the metals.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the 3D position of the
metals comprises parameters selected from a group consisting of the
2D location, depth, of the metals from the surface of the human
body.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the first sensor is
positioned at an angle A relative to the second sensor; the second
sensor is positioned at an angle A' relative to the third sensor;
the third sensor is positioned at an angle A'' relative to the
first sensor; where the angles A, A' and A'' are in the range of
about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the signal is at least one
signal selected from a group consisting of (a) audible signal, (b)
visual signal, (c) sensual signal, vibration, and any combination
thereof.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the intensity of the
signal is in function of at least one parameter selected from a
group consisting of depth, d, of the metals from the surface of the
human body, the type of the metal, the quantity of the metals and
any combination thereof.
[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the portable medical
device is a stethoscope.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the stethoscope comprises
at least one chest piece (1), reversibly in contact with the human
body; at least one ear tip (2); and a tubing (3) connecting the
same.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the at least one sensor is
embedded within at least one selected from a group consisting of
the chest piece, the ear tip, the tubing and a combination
thereof.
[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the at least one signaling
means is embedded within at least one selected from a group
consisting of the chest piece, the ear tip, the tubing and a
combination thereof such that the signal is being activated within
the same.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the signaling means is
adapted to alert on detected metals located underneath the surface
of a human body.
[0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, wherein the transmitting means
comprise means for generating a pulsed magnetic field.
[0025] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, additionally comprising marking
means adapted to mark the surface of the body.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, additionally comprising at least
one display for providing a visual indication of the position of
the metals in the x-y plane.
[0027] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
metal detector as defined above, additionally comprising at least
one display for providing a visual indication of the position of
the metals in the x-y-z planes.
[0028] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
stethoscope, comprising: at least metal detector, comprising: at
least one transmitting means adapted to induce magnetic field
generated by the metals to be detected; at least one sensor adapted
to detect the magnetic field generated by the metals to be
detected; at least one signaling means adapted, upon detection of
the magnetic field, to alert the identification of the metals, if
the intensity of the magnetic field is above a predetermined value;
wherein the metal detector is embedded within the stethoscope.
[0029] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the stethoscope comprises at
least one chest piece (1), reversibly in contact with the human
body; at least one ear tip (2); and tubing (3) connecting the
same.
[0030] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the at least one signaling
means adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field, to alert the
identification of the metals, if the flux of the magnetic field is
above a predetermined value.
[0031] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the transmitting means are
adapted to generate a second magnetic field so as to induce the
magnetic field generated by the metal.
[0032] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the sensor is at least one
radiometer.
[0033] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the transmitting means is an
antenna or a conductive coil.
[0034] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the metal detector comprises
at least one first sensor, at least one second sensor and at least
one third sensor; the at least one first sensor is adapted to
detect a first direction, X, of the magnetic field generated by the
metals; the at least one second sensor is adapted to detect a
second direction, Y, of the magnetic field generated by the metals;
the at least one third sensor is adapted to detect a third
direction, Z, of the magnetic field generated by the metals; the
second direction, Y, is substantially orthogonal to the first
direction, X, and the third direction, Z; the first direction, X,
is substantially orthogonal to the third direction, Z, and the
second direction, Y.
[0035] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, additionally comprising processing
means in communication with the first sensor, second sensor and the
third sensor, adapted to analyze the first direction, X, second
direction, Y, and the third direction, Z so as to determine the 3D
position of the metals.
[0036] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the 3D position of the metals
comprises parameters selected from a group consisting of the 2D
location, depth, d, of the metals from the surface of the human
body.
[0037] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the first sensor is
positioned at an angle A relative to the second sensor; the second
sensor is positioned at an angle A' relative to the third sensor;
the third sensor is positioned at an angle A'' relative to the
first sensor; where the angles A, A' and A'' are in the range of
about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees.
[0038] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the signal is at least one
signal selected from a group consisting of (a) audible signal, (b)
visual signal, (c) sensual signal, vibration, and any combination
thereof.
[0039] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the intensity of the signal
is in function of at least one parameter selected from a group
consisting of depth, d, of the metals from the surface of the human
body, the type of the metal, the quantity of the metals and any
combination thereof.
[0040] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the at least one sensor is
embedded within at least one selected from a group consisting of
the chest piece, the ear tip, the tubing and a combination
thereof.
[0041] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the at least one signaling
means is embedded within at least one selected from a group
consisting of the chest piece, the ear tip, the tubing and a
combination thereof such that the signal is being activated within
the same.
[0042] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the signaling means is
adapted to alert on detected metals located underneath the surface
of a human body.
[0043] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, wherein the transmitting means
comprise means for generating a pulsed magnetic field.
[0044] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, additionally comprising marking means
adapted to mark the surface of the body.
[0045] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, additionally comprising at least one
display for providing a visual indication of the position of the
metals in the x-y plane.
[0046] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
stethoscope as defined above, additionally comprising at least one
display for providing a visual indication of the position of the
metals in the x-y-z planes.
[0047] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
portable medical device (100) for the prevention of gossypiboma,
comprising a distal end and a proximal end interconnect to each
other; at least one metal detector for identifying metals
underneath a surface of a human body, comprising: at least one
transmitting means adapted to induce magnetic field generated by
the metals to be detected; at least one sensor adapted to detect
the magnetic field generated by the metals to be detected; at least
one signaling means; wherein the at least one transmitting means
and/or the at least one sensor are embedded either within the
distal end or the proximal end; further wherein the signaling means
adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field, to alert the
identification of the metals, if the intensity of the magnetic
field generated is above a predetermined value so as to prevent
gossypiboma.
[0048] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, selected from a group
consisting of a stethoscope, endoscope and a surgical item,
disposable items--sponges, needles, tapes; non-disposable
items--graspers, forceps, clamps, occluders, retractors, ribs and
other tissue distractors, positioners, stereotactic devices,
mechanical cutters scalpels, lancets, drill bits, rasps, trocars,
ligasure, harmonic scalpel, dilators and specula, suction tips and
tubes, sealing devices, surgical staplers, irrigation and injection
needles, tips and tubes, tyndallers, drills, dermatomes; and any
combination thereof
[0049] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the portable
medical device wherein the proximal end is located outside the
human body and the distal end is reversibly inserted within the
body.
[0050] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the portable
medical device additionally comprising detectable metal indicia
embedded within or on the surface of the same; the metal tag is
being identified by the metal detector during or after a medical
procedure so as to prevent Gossypiboma.
[0051] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the at least one
signaling means adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field, to
alert the identification of the metals, if the flux of the magnetic
field is above a predetermined value.
[0052] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the transmitting
means are adapted to generate a second magnetic field so as to
induce the magnetic field generated by the metal.
[0053] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the sensor is at
least one radiometer.
[0054] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the transmitting
means is an antenna or a conductive coil.
[0055] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the metal
detector comprises at least one first sensor, at least one second
sensor and at least one third sensor; the at least one first sensor
is adapted to detect a first direction, X, of the magnetic field
generated by the metals; the at least one second sensor is adapted
to detect a second direction, Y, of the magnetic field generated by
the metals; the at least one third sensor is adapted to detect a
third direction, Z, of the magnetic field generated by the metals;
the second direction, Y, is substantially orthogonal to the first
direction, X, and the third direction, Z; the first direction, X,
is substantially orthogonal to the third direction, Z, and the
second direction, Y.
[0056] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, additionally comprising
processing means in communication with the first sensor, second
sensor and the third sensor, adapted to analyze the first
direction, X, second direction, Y, and the third direction, Z so as
to determine the 3D position of the metals.
[0057] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the 3D position
of the metals comprises parameters selected from a group consisting
of the 2D location, depth, d, of the metals from the surface of the
human body.
[0058] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the first sensor
is positioned at an angle A relative to the second sensor; the
second sensor is positioned at an angle A' relative to the third
sensor; the third sensor is positioned at an angle A'' relative to
the first sensor; where the angles A, A' and A'' are in the range
of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees.
[0059] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the signal is at
least one signal selected from a group consisting of (a) audible
signal, (b) visual signal, (c) sensual signal, vibration, and any
combination thereof.
[0060] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the intensity of
the signal is in function of at least one parameter selected from a
group consisting of depth, d, of the metals from the surface of the
human body, the type of the metal, the quantity of the metals and
any combination thereof.
[0061] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the signaling
means is adapted to alert on detected metals located underneath the
surface of a human body.
[0062] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, wherein the transmitting
means comprise means for generating a pulsed magnetic field.
[0063] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, additionally comprising
marking means adapted to mark the surface of the body.
[0064] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, additionally comprising
at least one display for providing a visual indication of the
position of the metals in the x-y plane.
[0065] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
portable medical device as defined above, additionally comprising
at least one display for providing a visual indication of the
position of the metals in the x-y-z planes.
[0066] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method for preventing gossypiboma, comprises steps of: providing a
metal detector comprising: at least one transmitting means adapted
to induce magnetic field generated by the metals to be detected; at
least one sensor; at least one signaling means; inducing, during
the medical procedure, a magnetic field to be generated by the
metals to be detected; sensing the magnetic field; if the intensity
of the magnetic field is above a predetermined threshold,
identifying the presence of the detectable metals by the magnetic
sensor; sending a signal, thereby alerting the detection of the
detectable metals; wherein the step of providing the metal detector
further comprising step of embedding the metal detector within a
portable medical device
[0067] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method for identifying detectable metals in a human body, comprises
steps of: providing a metal detector comprising: at least one
transmitting means adapted to induce magnetic field generated by
the metals to be detected; at least one sensor; at least one
signaling means; inducing, during the medical procedure, a magnetic
field to be generated by the metals to be detected; sensing the
magnetic field; if the intensity of the magnetic field is above a
predetermined threshold, identifying the presence of the detectable
metals by the magnetic sensor; sending a signal, thereby alerting
the detection of the detectable metals; wherein the step of
providing the metal detector further comprising step of embedding
the metal detector within a portable medical device.
[0068] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, additionally comprising step of generating
magnetic field in the vicinity of the metals to be detected thereby
inducing the magnetic field generated by the metals to be
detected.
[0069] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the step of generating magnetic
field is performed by at least one selected from a group consisting
of pulsed magnetic field or an alternating magnetic field, thereby
inducing currents within the metals to be detected, thereby
generating the magnetic field.
[0070] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the at least one signaling means
adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field, to alert the
identification of the metals, if the flux of the magnetic field is
above a predetermined value.
[0071] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, additionally comprising step of generating
a second magnetic field so as to induce the magnetic field
generated by the metal.
[0072] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, additionally comprising step of selecting
the sensor to be at least one radiometer.
[0073] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, additionally comprising step of selecting
the transmitting means from a group consisting of antenna, a
conductive coil; and any combination thereof.
[0074] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, additionally comprising step of providing
the metal detector with at least one first sensor, at least one
second sensor and at least one third sensor; the at least one first
sensor is adapted to detect a first direction, X, of the magnetic
field generated by the metals; the at least one second sensor is
adapted to detect a second direction, Y, of the magnetic field
generated by the metals; the at least one third sensor is adapted
to detect a third direction, Z, of the magnetic field generated by
the metals; the second direction, Y, is substantially orthogonal to
the first direction, X, and the third direction, Z; the first
direction, X, is substantially orthogonal to the third direction,
Z, and the second direction, Y.
[0075] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, additionally comprising step of providing
processing means in communication with the first sensor, second
sensor and the third sensor, adapted to analyze the first
direction, X, second direction, Y, and the third direction, Z so as
to determine the 3D position of the metals.
[0076] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the 3D position of the metals
comprises parameters selected from a group consisting of the 2D
location, depth, d, of the metals from the surface of the human
body.
[0077] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the first sensor is positioned at
an angle A relative to the second sensor; the second sensor is
positioned at an angle A' relative to the third sensor; the third
sensor is positioned at an angle A'' relative to the first sensor;
where the angles A, A' and A'' are in the range of about 0 degrees
to about 180 degrees.
[0078] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the signal is at least one signal
selected from a group consisting of (a) audible signal, (b) visual
signal, (c) sensible signal, and any combination thereof.
[0079] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the intensity of the signal is in
function of at least one parameter selected from a group consisting
of depth of the metals from the surface of the human body, the type
of the metal, the quantity of the metals and any combination
thereof.
[0080] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the portable medical device is a
stethoscope.
[0081] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the stethoscope comprises at least
one chest piece (1), reversibly in contact with the human body; at
least one ear tip (2); and tubing (3) connecting the same.
[0082] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the at least one sensor is
embedded within at least one selected from a group consisting of
the chest piece, the ear tip, the tubing and a combination
thereof.
[0083] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the at least one signaling means
is embedded within at least one selected from a group consisting of
the chest piece, the ear tip, the tubing and a combination thereof
such that the signal is being activated within the same.
[0084] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the signaling means is adapted to
alert on detected metals located underneath the surface of a human
body.
[0085] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, wherein the transmitting means comprise
means for generating a pulsed magnetic field.
[0086] It is another object of the present invention to provide the
method as defined above, additionally comprising marking means
adapted to mark the surface of the body.
[0087] It is still an object of the present invention to provide
the method as defined above, additionally comprising at least one
display for providing a visual indication of the position of the
metals in the x-y plane.
[0088] It is lastly an object of the present invention to provide
the method as defined above, additionally comprising at least one
display for providing a visual indication of the position of the
metals in the x-y-z planes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0089] In order to better understand the invention and its
implementation in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be
described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein
[0090] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a schematic view of the
present invention (100);
[0091] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the metal detector (10) of
the present invention; and
[0092] FIGS. 3-5 schematically illustrate a stethoscope according
to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0093] The following description is provided, alongside all
chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person
skilled in the art to make use of the invention and set forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to
those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the
present invention is defined to specifically provide a metal
detector embedded within a portable medical device and methods
using and producing the same as well as new standard of cares
making use of the invention.
[0094] The present invention provides means for screening subjects
for metal containing objects inside them, on their interface or as
part of their belongings and their location.
[0095] It is within the core concept of the present invention to
provide an integrated metal detector-portable medical device
adapted to identify metals in a human body, wherein the metal
detector is embedded within the portable medical device.
[0096] The term "gossypiboma" or "textiloma" refers hereinafter to
any surgical complications resulting from foreign materials, such
as a surgical sponge, accidentally left inside a patient's
body.
[0097] The term "metal detector" refers hereinafter to a device
which responds to metal that may not be readily apparent. More
generally the term refers to any type of metal detector such as
Very Low Frequency detectors, Pulse Induction detectors, Beat
Frequency Oscillation, etc.
[0098] The term "embedded" refers hereinafter to any way the metal
detector is connected, interconnected, coupled, joined, implanted,
attached, linked or associated to at least one part of the portable
medical device.
[0099] The term "portable medical device" refers hereinafter to any
portable medical device, such as otoscope, stethoscope, CPR Masks,
goniometers, thermometer, etc. More generally, the term refers to
any medical equipment interfacing the outer (Thermometers,
stethoscope, reflex hammer throat illuminator, laryngeal mirror,
nasal speculum, tongue depressor, etc.) or inner (endoscopes,
laparoscopes, sigmoidoscope, proctoscope, rhinoscope, bronchoscope,
otoscope, gynoscope, laparoscope, amnioscope, laryngoscope,
esophagoscope, bronchoscope and epiduroscope).
[0100] The term "magnetic sensor" refers hereinafter to the metal
detector component that first reacts to the presence of metal by
emitting a voltage signal (consists of one or more coils).
[0101] The term "detectable metals" refers hereinafter to any metal
that produces a magnetic field in response to an applied magnetic
field such as ferromagnetic (cobalt, iron, nickel, gadolinium,
dysprosium, permalloy, awaruite, wairakite, magnetite, etc.) and
ferrimagnetic metals.
[0102] The term "reporting mechanism" refers hereinafter to at
least one way of indication to the user of the metal detector on
the presence of detectable metals in or on the subject to be
inserted to the MRI machine. Indicators may be audible, visual or
sensual.
[0103] The term "subject" refers hereinafter to any living
substance such as a human or an animal.
[0104] The term "distance" refers hereinafter to a description of
how far apart the metal detector is from the detectable metal in or
on the subject. The term may refer to a physical length or an
estimate based on other criteria.
[0105] The term "about" refers hereinafter to a range of 25% below
or above the referred value.
[0106] The term "signal" refers hereinafter to any indicator that
serves for means of communication.
[0107] The term "audible indicators" refers hereinafter to a
representation of sound, typically as an electrical voltage.
Audible indicators have frequencies in the audio frequency range of
roughly 20 to 20,000 Hz (the limits of human hearing). Audible
indicators may be synthesized directly, or may originate at a
transducer such as a microphone, musical instrument pickup,
phonograph cartridge, or tape head.
[0108] The term "visual indicators" refers hereinafter to a
representation of light in the visible light range of about 380
nanometers to about 740 nm. More generally the terms refer to any
light within the visible range that will be noticeable by the user
of the invention (light, flashing light, flickering light, blinking
light, change of spectrum of colors of light etc.).
[0109] The term "sensible indicators" refers hereinafter to a
physical movement of the medical device housing the metal detector
which is noticeable to the user (shaking, vibrating, quivering,
etc.).
[0110] The term "signal intensity" refers hereinafter to the
electric-field strength of the electromagnetic wave transmitting
the signal.
[0111] According to one embodiment of the present invention an
integrated metal detector-portable medical device adapted to
identify metals in a human body, wherein the metal detector is
embedded within the portable medical device is provided.
[0112] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector provided for identifying metals in a human
body, comprising: at least one transmitting means adapted to induce
magnetic field generated by the metals to be detected; at least one
sensor adapted to detect the magnetic field generated by the metals
to be detected; at least one signaling means adapted, upon
detection of the magnetic field, to alert the identification of the
metals, if the intensity of the magnetic field is above a
predetermined value; wherein the metal detector is embedded within
a portable medical device.
[0113] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the at least one signaling means adapted, upon
detection of the magnetic field, to alert the identification of the
metals, if the flux of the magnetic field is above a predetermined
value.
[0114] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the transmitting means are adapted to generate a second
magnetic field so as to induce the magnetic field generated by the
metal.
[0115] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the sensor is at least one radiometer.
[0116] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the transmitting means is an antenna or a conductive
coil.
[0117] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the metal detector comprises at least one first sensor,
at least one second sensor and at least one third sensor; the at
least one first sensor is adapted to detect a first direction, X,
of the magnetic field generated by the metals; the at least one
second sensor is adapted to detect a second direction, Y, of the
magnetic field generated by the metals; the at least one third
sensor is adapted to detect a third direction, Z, of the magnetic
field generated by the metals; the second direction, Y, is
substantially orthogonal to the first direction, X, and the third
direction, Z; the first direction, X, is substantially orthogonal
to the third direction, Z, and the second direction, Y.
[0118] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and the same additionally comprises processing means in
communication with the first sensor, second sensor and the third
sensor, adapted to analyze the first direction, X, second
direction, Y, and the third direction, Z so as to determine the 3D
position of the metals.
[0119] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the 3D position of the metals comprises parameters
selected from a group consisting of the 2D location, depth, d, of
the metals from the surface of the human body.
[0120] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the first sensor is positioned at an angle A relative
to the second sensor; the second sensor is positioned at an angle
A' relative to the third sensor; the third sensor is positioned at
an angle A'' relative to the first sensor; where the angles A, A'
and A'' are in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180
degrees.
[0121] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the signal is at least one signal selected from a group
consisting of (a) audible signal, (b) visual signal, (c) sensual
signal, vibration, and any combination thereof.
[0122] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the intensity of the signal is in function of at least
one parameter selected from a group consisting of depth, d, of the
metals from the surface of the human body, the type of the metal,
the quantity of the metals and any combination thereof.
[0123] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the portable medical device is a stethoscope.
[0124] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the stethoscope comprises: (1) at least one chest piece
(1), reversibly in contact with the human body; (2) at least one
ear tip (2); and (3) a tubing (3) connecting the same.
[0125] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the at least one sensor is embedded within at least one
selected from a group consisting of the chest piece, the ear tip,
the tubing and a combination thereof.
[0126] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the at least one signaling means is embedded within at
least one selected from a group consisting of the chest piece, the
ear tip, the tubing and a combination thereof such that the signal
is being activated within the same.
[0127] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the signaling means is adapted to alert on detected
metals located underneath the surface of a human body.
[0128] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the transmitting means comprise means for generating a
pulsed magnetic field.
[0129] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and additionally comprising marking means adapted to mark the
surface of the body.
[0130] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and additionally comprising at least one display for providing a
visual indication of the position of the metals in the x-y
plane.
[0131] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein metal detector as defined in any of the above is provided
and additionally comprising at least one display for providing a
visual indication of the position of the metals in the x-y-z
planes.
[0132] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope a is provided and comprises at least metal
detector, comprising: at least one transmitting means adapted to
induce magnetic field generated by the metals to be detected; at
least one sensor adapted to detect the magnetic field generated by
the metals to be detected; at least one signaling means adapted,
upon detection of the magnetic field, to alert the identification
of the metals, if the intensity of the magnetic field is above a
predetermined value; wherein the metal detector is embedded within
the stethoscope.
[0133] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the stethoscope comprises at least one chest piece (1),
reversibly in contact with the human body; at least one ear tip
(2); and tubing (3) connecting the same.
[0134] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the at least one signaling means adapted, upon
detection of the magnetic field, to alert the identification of the
metals, if the flux of the magnetic field is above a predetermined
value.
[0135] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the transmitting means are adapted to generate a second
magnetic field so as to induce the magnetic field generated by the
metal.
[0136] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the sensor is at least one radiometer.
[0137] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the transmitting means is an antenna or a conductive
coil.
[0138] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the metal detector comprises at least one first sensor,
at least one second sensor and at least one third sensor; the at
least one first sensor is adapted to detect a first direction, X,
of the magnetic field generated by the metals; the at least one
second sensor is adapted to detect a second direction, Y, of the
magnetic field generated by the metals; the at least one third
sensor is adapted to detect a third direction, Z, of the magnetic
field generated by the metals; the second direction, Y, is
substantially orthogonal to the first direction, X, and the third
direction, Z; the first direction, X, is substantially orthogonal
to the third direction, Z, and the second direction, Y.
[0139] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the same additionally comprises processing means in
communication with the first sensor, second sensor and the third
sensor, adapted to analyze the first direction, X, second
direction, Y, and the third direction, Z so as to determine the 3D
position of the metals.
[0140] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the 3D position of the metals comprises parameters
selected from a group consisting of the 2D location, depth, d, of
the metals from the surface of the human body.
[0141] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the first sensor is positioned at an angle A relative
to the second sensor; the second sensor is positioned at an angle
A' relative to the third sensor; the third sensor is positioned at
an angle A'' relative to the first sensor; where the angles A, A'
and A'' are in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180
degrees.
[0142] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the signal is at least one signal selected from a group
consisting of (a) audible signal, (b) visual signal, (c) sensual
signal, vibration, and any combination thereof.
[0143] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the intensity of the signal is in function of at least
one parameter selected from a group consisting of depth, d, of the
metals from the surface of the human body, the type of the metal,
the quantity of the metals and any combination thereof.
[0144] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the at least one sensor is embedded within at least one
selected from a group consisting of the chest piece, the ear tip,
the tubing and a combination thereof.
[0145] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the at least one signaling means is embedded within at
least one selected from a group consisting of the chest piece, the
ear tip, the tubing and a combination thereof such that the signal
is being activated within the same.
[0146] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the signaling means is adapted to alert on detected
metals located underneath the surface of a human body.
[0147] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the transmitting means comprise means for generating a
pulsed magnetic field.
[0148] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein comprising marking means adapted to mark the surface of
the body.
[0149] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the same additionally comprising at least one display
for providing a visual indication of the position of the metals in
the x-y plane.
[0150] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a stethoscope as defined in any of the above is provided
and wherein the same additionally comprising at least one display
for providing a visual indication of the position of the metals in
the x-y-z planes.
[0151] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) is provided for the
prevention of gossypiboma. This device comprises a distal end and a
proximal end interconnect to each other; at least one metal
detector for identifying metals underneath a surface of a human
body, comprising: at least one transmitting means adapted to induce
magnetic field generated by the metals to be detected; at least one
sensor adapted to detect the magnetic field generated by the metals
to be detected; at least one signaling means; wherein the at least
one transmitting means and/or the at least one sensor are embedded
either within the distal end or the proximal end; further wherein
the signaling means adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field,
to alert the identification of the metals, if the intensity of the
magnetic field generated is above a predetermined value so as to
prevent gossypiboma.
[0152] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and selected from a group consisting of a
stethoscope, endoscope and a surgical item, disposable
items--sponges, needles, tapes; non-disposable items--graspers,
forceps, clamps, occluders, retractors, ribs and other tissue
distractors, positioners, stereotactic devices, mechanical cutters
scalpels, lancets, drill bits, rasps, trocars, ligasure, harmonic
scalpel, dilators and specula, suction tips and tubes, sealing
devices, surgical staplers, irrigation and injection needles, tips
and tubes, tyndallers, drills, dermatomes; and any combination
thereof.
[0153] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided wherein the proximal end is located outside the
human body and the distal end is reversibly inserted within the
body.
[0154] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and is additionally comprising detectable metal
indicia embedded within or on the surface of the same; the metal
tag is being identified by the metal detector during or after a
medical procedure so as to prevent Gossypiboma.
[0155] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the at least one signaling means
adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field, to alert the
identification of the metals, if the flux of the magnetic field is
above a predetermined value.
[0156] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the transmitting means are adapted to
generate a second magnetic field so as to induce the magnetic field
generated by the metal.
[0157] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the sensor is at least one
radiometer.
[0158] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the transmitting means is an antenna
or a conductive coil.
[0159] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the metal detector comprises at least
one first sensor, at least one second sensor and at least one third
sensor; the at least one first sensor is adapted to detect a first
direction, X, of the magnetic field generated by the metals; the at
least one second sensor is adapted to detect a second direction, Y,
of the magnetic field generated by the metals; the at least one
third sensor is adapted to detect a third direction, Z, of the
magnetic field generated by the metals; the second direction, Y, is
substantially orthogonal to the first direction, X, and the third
direction, Z; the first direction, X, is substantially orthogonal
to the third direction, Z, and the second direction, Y.
[0160] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and is additionally comprising processing means
in communication with the first sensor, second sensor and the third
sensor, adapted to analyze the first direction, X, second
direction, Y, and the third direction, Z so as to determine the 3D
position of the metals.
[0161] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the 3D position of the metals
comprises parameters selected from a group consisting of the 2D
location, depth, d, of the metals from the surface of the human
body.
[0162] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the first sensor is positioned at an
angle A relative to the second sensor; the second sensor is
positioned at an angle A' relative to the third sensor; the third
sensor is positioned at an angle A'' relative to the first sensor;
where the angles A, A' and A'' are in the range of about 0 degrees
to about 180 degrees.
[0163] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the signal is at least one signal
selected from a group consisting of (a) audible signal, (b) visual
signal, (c) sensual signal, vibration, and any combination
thereof.
[0164] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the intensity of the signal is in
function of at least one parameter selected from a group consisting
of depth, d, of the metals from the surface of the human body, the
type of the metal, the quantity of the metals and any combination
thereof.
[0165] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the signaling means is adapted to
alert on detected metals located underneath the surface of a human
body.
[0166] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and wherein the transmitting means comprise means
for generating a pulsed magnetic field.
[0167] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and additionally comprising marking means adapted
to mark the surface of the body.
[0168] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and additionally comprising at least one display
for providing a visual indication of the position of the metals in
the x-y plane.
[0169] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a portable medical device (100) as defined in any of the
above is provided and additionally comprising at least one display
for providing a visual indication of the position of the metals in
the x-y-z planes.
[0170] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a method for preventing gossypiboma is provided. This
method comprises steps of: providing a metal detector comprising:
at least one transmitting means adapted to induce magnetic field
generated by the metals to be detected; at least one sensor; at
least one signaling means; inducing, during the medical procedure,
a magnetic field to be generated by the metals to be detected;
sensing the magnetic field; if the intensity of the magnetic field
is above a predetermined threshold, identifying the presence of the
detectable metals by the magnetic sensor; sending a signal, thereby
alerting the detection of the detectable metals; wherein the step
of providing the metal detector further comprising step of
embedding the metal detector within a portable medical device.
[0171] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein a method for identifying detectable metals in a human body
is provided. This method comprises steps of: providing a metal
detector comprising: at least one transmitting means adapted to
induce magnetic field generated by the metals to be detected; at
least one sensor; at least one signaling means; inducing, during
the medical procedure, a magnetic field to be generated by the
metals to be detected; sensing the magnetic field; if the intensity
of the magnetic field is above a predetermined threshold,
identifying the presence of the detectable metals by the magnetic
sensor; sending a signal, thereby alerting the detection of the
detectable metals; wherein the step of providing the metal detector
further comprising step of embedding the metal detector within a
portable medical device.
[0172] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method as defined in any of the above additionally
comprises step of generating magnetic field in the vicinity of the
metals to be detected thereby inducing the magnetic field generated
by the metals to be detected.
[0173] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method as defined in any of the above comprises step of
generating magnetic field is performed by at least one selected
from a group consisting of pulsed magnetic field or an alternating
magnetic field, thereby inducing currents within the metals to be
detected, thereby generating the magnetic field.
[0174] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein at the method as defined in any of the above at least one
signaling means is adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field,
to alert the identification of the metals, if the flux of the
magnetic field is above a predetermined value.
[0175] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method as defined in any of the above additionally
comprises step of generating a second magnetic field so as to
induce the magnetic field generated by the metal.
[0176] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method as defined in any of the above additionally
comprises step of selecting the sensor to be at least one
radiometer.
[0177] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method as defined in any of the above additionally
comprises step of selecting the transmitting means from a group
consisting of antenna, a conductive coil; and any combination
thereof.
[0178] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method as defined in any of the above additionally
comprises step of providing the metal detector with at least one
first sensor, at least one second sensor and at least one third
sensor; the at least one first sensor is adapted to detect a first
direction, X, of the magnetic field generated by the metals; the at
least one second sensor is adapted to detect a second direction, Y,
of the magnetic field generated by the metals; the at least one
third sensor is adapted to detect a third direction, Z, of the
magnetic field generated by the metals; the second direction, Y, is
substantially orthogonal to the first direction, X, and the third
direction, Z; the first direction, X, is substantially orthogonal
to the third direction, Z, and the second direction, Y. According
to this embodiment, the metal's 3D position (i.e., the X, Y
position and the depth, Z) are calculated and may be provided to
the user.
[0179] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method as defined in any of the above additionally
comprises step of providing processing means in communication with
the first sensor, second sensor and the third sensor, adapted to
analyze the first direction, X, second direction, Y, and the third
direction, Z so as to determine the 3D position of the metals.
[0180] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method as defined in any of the above additionally
comprises step selecting parameters from a group consisting of the
2D location, depth, d, of the metals from the surface of the human
body.
[0181] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the first sensor is positioned at an angle A relative to
the second sensor; the second sensor is positioned at an angle A'
relative to the third sensor; the third sensor is positioned at an
angle A'' relative to the first sensor; where the angles A, A' and
A'' are in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees.
[0182] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the signal is at least one signal selected from a group
consisting of (a) audible signal, (b) visual signal, (c) sensual
signal, vibration, and any combination thereof.
[0183] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the intensity of the signal is in function of at least one
parameter selected from a group consisting of depth, d, of the
metals from the surface of the human body, the type of the metal,
the quantity of the metals and any combination thereof.
[0184] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the portable medical device is a stethoscope.
[0185] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the stethoscope comprises at least one chest piece (1),
reversibly in contact with the human body; at least one ear tip
(2); and tubing (3) connecting the same.
[0186] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the at least one sensor is embedded within at least one
selected from a group consisting of the chest piece, the ear tip,
the tubing and a combination thereof.
[0187] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the at least one signaling means is embedded within at
least one selected from a group consisting of the chest piece, the
ear tip, the tubing and a combination thereof such that the signal
is being activated within the same.
[0188] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the signaling means is adapted to alert on detected metals
located underneath the surface of a human body.
[0189] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the transmitting means comprise means for generating a
pulsed magnetic field.
[0190] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing
marking means adapted to mark the surface of the body.
[0191] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing at
least one display for providing a visual indication of the position
of the metals in the x-y plane.
[0192] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing at
least one display for providing a visual indication of the position
of the metals in the x-y-z planes.
[0193] It is further within the scope of the present invention
wherein the method additionally comprising step of embedding a
metal detector within the portable medical device is adapted to
evaluate various parameters of the detectable metals such as their
distance from the metal detector, their depth, size and location on
a subject.
[0194] In order to evaluate these parameters the magnetic sensor of
the metal detector has to be composed of 2 oscillators or more.
Furthermore, the signaling mechanism of the metal detector is
adapted to report on the measurements of the evaluated parameters
by producing a signal which its intensity changes as function of at
least one of the described parameters or of any combination of
them.
[0195] The signal can be one or more of audible, visual and sensual
parameters that must have the ability to have a range of
intensities. For example, a sound that its volume increase in an
inverse proportion to the distance of the metal from them metal
detector or a vibration that increases in a direct proportion to
the size of the metal.
[0196] The term "stethoscope" refers hereinafter to an acoustic
medical device for auscultation, or listening to the internal
sounds of an animal or human body. It operates by the transmission
of sound from the chest piece, via air-filled hollow tubes, to the
listener's ears. The tubes are also used to carry around the neck
when not in use. More generally, the term refers to any kind of
stethoscope, e.g., acoustic, electronic, recording, fetoscope and
Doppler stethoscope.
[0197] It is according to yet another embodiment of the invention,
wherein the portable medical device embedding the metal detector to
one or more of its parts is a stethoscope. In this embodiment the
magnetic sensor is positioned within the chest piece and the user
can screen a subject for metals either by directly positioning the
chest piece on the body of the subject or by indirectly introducing
the stethoscope without directly positioning the chest piece on the
user while it is in a resting position, for example, worn on the
users neck.
[0198] According to the technique chosen for carrying out the
detection by the stethoscope an appropriate reporting and/or
signaling mechanism is suited: if the user is actively using the
stethoscope to check the subject the reporting mechanism is
connected to the ear tips of the stethoscope and will be adapted to
produce an audible indicator to be heard by the user. If the user
is carrying out the detection whilst wearing the stethoscope around
the neck the reporting mechanism should be attached to the tubing
and be adapted to produce a sensual indicator that can be felt by
the user.
[0199] It is according to yet another embodiment of the invention,
the medical device is provided as defined in any of the above and
the reporting and/or signaling mechanism of the metal detector is
interconnected to at least one components of the MRI suite
consisting of: (1) entrance doors to the restricted zones, (2)
control station (3) reception and (4) entrance to the MRI machine
and any combination thereof and either: turns on an indicator
signal, (2) shuts down and or (3) locks and any combination
thereof.
[0200] The term "detectable metals in a subject" refers hereinafter
to any detectable metal in or on a subject. More generally the term
refers to any object that contains detectable metal inside the
subject, e.g., pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator
(ICD), neurostimulator, aneurysm clip, metal implant, implanted
drug infusion device, foreign metal objects, shrapnel or bullet
wounds, permanent cosmetics or tattoos, dentures/teeth with
magnetic keepers, other implants that involve magnets, medication
patch that contains metal foil, etc. or on its interface: e.g.,
purse, wallet, money clip, credit cards, cards with magnetic
strips, electronic devices such as beepers or cell phones, hearing
aids, metal jewelry, watches, pens, paper clips, keys, coins, hair
barrettes, hairpins, any article of clothing that has a metal
zipper, buttons, snaps, hooks, underwires, metal threads, shoes,
belt buckles, safety pins, etc.
[0201] The term "intercommunicate" refers hereinafter to any direct
or indirect interaction of the metal detector with the subject by
which the first can identify metals in or on the latter.
[0202] The term "surgical items" refers hereinafter to instrument
and tools used during surgery and placed inside the interior of a
subject. More generally the term refers to any disposable item such
as sponges, needles, tape etc. and non-disposable item, e.g.,
graspers, forceps, clamps, occluders, retractors, ribs and other
tissue distractors, positioners, stereotactic devices, mechanical
cutters scalpels, lancets, drill bits, rasps, trocars, ligasure,
harmonic scalpel, dilators and specula, suction tips and tubes,
sealing devices, surgical staplers, irrigation and injection
needles, tips and tubes, tyndallers, drills, dermatomes etc.
[0203] The term "endoscope" refers hereinafter to an instrument
used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the
body, such as esophagogastroduodenoscope, enteroscope, colonoscope,
sigmoidoscope, rectoscope, anoscope, proctoscope, rhinoscopy,
bronchoscope, otoscope, cystoscopy, gynoscopy, colposcope,
hysteroscope, falloposcope, laparoscope, arthroscope, thoracoscope,
mediastinoscope, amnioscope, fetoscope, epiduroscope etc. the term
also refers a sharp-pointed instrument equipped with a cannula,
used to puncture the wall of a body cavity and withdraw fluid, such
as trocars, catheters etc.
[0204] It is according to yet another embodiment of the invention,
wherein the portable medical device embedding the metal detector to
one or more of its parts is a laparoscope. In this embodiment the
magnetic sensor will be in close proximity to the interior of the
subject and therefore positioned at parts of the laparoscope
inserted inside the subject such as the end of a channel or the
light delivery system. The reporting and/or signaling mechanism is
positioned in a place that the signals produced can be easily
noticed by the user, therefore, positioned on the eyepiece with a
visual indicator or with any external part with an audible
indicator.
[0205] It is according to yet another object of the invention to
disclose a method for screening subjects for detectable metals
using a metal detector embedded within a stethoscope wherein the
magnetic sensor and the reporting mechanism, adapted to produce an
audible indicator, are interconnected to the chest piece and ear
tips, respectively. The method inter alia comprises steps of: (a)
providing the metal detector, (b) introducing at least one of the
ear tips to at least one ear of the user, (c) contacting the chest
piece to the subject to be screened, (d) moving the chest piece
along the surface of the subject and (e) listening to the audible
indicators and their intensities to identify and locate the
detectable metals.
[0206] It is according to yet another object of the invention to
disclose a method for screening subjects for detectable metals
using a metal detector embedded within a stethoscope wherein the
magnetic sensor and the reporting mechanism, adapted to produce a
sensual indicator, are interconnected to the chest piece and
tubing, respectively. The method inter alia comprises steps of: (a)
providing the metal detector, (b) wearing the stethoscope around
the neck of the user, (c) approaching the subject to be screened,
(d) moving around the subject and (e) focusing on the sensual
indicators and their intensities to identify and locate the
detectable metals.
[0207] It is according to yet another object of the invention to
disclose a method for using the metal detector embedded within a
laparoscope wherein the magnetic sensor and the reporting mechanism
are located in the parts residing in the interior of the subject
and the parts residing in the exterior of the subject,
respectively. The method inter alia comprises steps of: (a)
providing the metal detector, (b) introducing the metal detector to
the interior of the subject and (c) keeping track of the indicators
signaling for metals especially before finishing the procedure.
[0208] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, shown is a schematic view
of the present invention. The portable medical device (100)
includes within it a metal detector (10) for identifying detectable
metals.
[0209] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, shown is a schematic view
of the metal detector (10) which is comprised of 2 parts: a
magnetic sensor (1) that identifies detectable metals and activates
a signaling mechanism (2) in response to the presence of the
detectable metals. It should be pointed out that the metal detector
also includes at least one transmitting means (not shown) adapted
to induce magnetic field generated by the metals to be
detected.
[0210] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, shown an illustrative view
of a stethoscope which is a possible portable medical device which
may be adapted to house a metal detector. The stethoscope (100) is
comprised of a chest piece (1), ear tips (2) and tubing (3)
connecting them. All those three modules of the stethoscope are
possible candidates for housing one or more of the metal detectors
components.
[0211] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, shown an illustrate of one
embodiment of the invention in which the medical device is a
stethoscope (100) housing a metal detector (110), which is
interconnected to 2 modules of the stethoscope: the magnetic sensor
(111) is embedded within the chest piece and the detectable metal
reporting mechanism (112) resides within the tubing. In this
embodiment the signal produced by the detectable metal reporting
mechanism is sensible and can be felt by the user as vibrations
when wore around the neck.
[0212] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, shown an illustrate of yet
another embodiment of the invention in which the medical device is
a stethoscope (100) housing a metal detector (100), which is
interconnected to 2 modules of the stethoscope: the magnetic sensor
(111) is embedded within the chest piece and the detectable metal
reporting (signaling) mechanism (112) resides within the ear tips.
In this embodiment the signal produced by the detectable metal
reporting mechanism is audible and can be heard by the user as
beeping sounds when ear tips are inserted inside the ears.
[0213] According to one embodiment of the present invention the
metal detector is operated according to at least one of the
following protocols: Very low frequency (VLF); Pulse induction
(PI); Beat-frequency oscillation (BFO) or any combination thereof.
Each of which will be briefly discussed herein below:
[0214] In a VLF metal detector, also known as induction balance,
there are two distinct coils:
[0215] Transmitter coil--This is the outer coil loop. Within it is
a coil of wire. Electricity is sent along this wire, first in one
direction and then in the other, thousands of times each second.
The number of times that the current's direction switches each
second establishes the frequency of the unit.
[0216] Receiver coil--This inner coil loop contains another coil of
wire. This wire acts as an antenna to pick up and amplify
frequencies coming from target objects in the ground.
[0217] The current moving through the transmitter coil creates an
electromagnetic field. Each time the current changes direction, the
polarity of the magnetic field changes.
[0218] As the magnetic field pulses back and forth into the ground,
it interacts with any conductive objects it encounters, causing
them to generate weak magnetic fields of their own. The object's
magnetic field is directly opposite the transmitter coil's magnetic
field. If the transmitter coil's field is pulsing downward, the
object's field is pulsing upward.
[0219] The receiver coil is completely shielded from the magnetic
field generated by the transmitter coil. However, it is not
shielded from magnetic fields coming from objects in the ground.
Therefore, when the receiver coil passes over an object giving off
a magnetic field, a small electric current travels through the
coil. This current oscillates at the same frequency as the object's
magnetic field. The coil amplifies the frequency and sends it to
the control box of the metal detector, where sensors analyze the
signal.
[0220] According to the strength of the magnetic field, the metal
detector can estimate at what depth the metals detected are
located.
[0221] The VLF metal detector is based on phase shifting. I.e., the
difference in timing between the transmitter coil's frequency and
the frequency of the target object.
[0222] The pulse induction (PI) based metal detector, uses a single
coil as both transmitter and receiver, or they may have two or even
three coils working together. According to this embodiment,
powerful, short bursts (pulses) of current are sent through a coil
of wire.
[0223] Each pulse generates a brief magnetic field. When the pulse
ends, the magnetic field reverses polarity and collapses suddenly,
resulting in a sharp electrical spike. This spike causes another
current to run through the coil. This current is called the
reflected pulse and is extremely short. Another pulse is then sent
and the process repeats.
[0224] According to this embodiment, if the metal detector detects
a metal, the pulse creates an opposite magnetic field in the
object. When the pulse's magnetic field collapses, causing the
reflected pulse, the magnetic field of the metal object makes it
take longer for the reflected pulse to completely disappear.
[0225] In the beat-frequency oscillator (BFO) based metal
detectors, there are two coils of wire. One large coil, and a
smaller coil. Each coil is connected to an oscillator that
generates thousands of pulses of current per second. The frequency
of these pulses is slightly offset between the two coils.
[0226] As the pulses travel through each coil, the coil generates
radio waves. A tiny receiver within the control box picks up the
radio waves and creates an audible series of tones (beats) based on
the difference between the frequencies.
[0227] If the large coil passes over a metal object, the magnetic
field caused by the current flowing through the coil creates a
magnetic field around the object. The object's magnetic field
interferes with the frequency of the radio waves generated by the
large coil. As the frequency deviates from the frequency of the
smaller coil, the audible beats change in duration and tone.
[0228] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the invention,
including preferred embodiments, have been presented for the
purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form
disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in
light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and
described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the
invention and its practical application, and to enable one of
ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations
are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended
claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are
fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
[0229] It is according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein
a metal detector for identifying metals in a human body and/or
underneath the surface of the human body, is embedded to a portable
medical device. The metal detector comprises: at least one
transmitting means adapted to generate a second magnetic field so
as to induce the magnetic field generated by the metal, selected
from a group consisting of: (1) antenna; (2) conductive coil; and
any combination thereof; at least one sensor adapted to detect the
magnetic field generated by metals to be detected; and at least one
signaling means adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field, to
alert the identification of metals, if the intensity of the
magnetic field is above a predetermined value.
[0230] It is according to another embodiment of the invention,
wherein a metal detector for identifying metals in a human body
and/or underneath the surface of the human body is used for the
prevention of gossypiboma. The metal detector comprises: at least
one transmitting means adapted to induce magnetic field generated
by metals to be detected, selected from a group consisting of: (1)
antenna; (2) conductive coil; and any combination thereof; at least
one sensor adapted to detect the magnetic field generated by metals
to be detected; at least one signaling means; wherein at least one
transmitting means and/or at least one sensor are embedded within
either the distal end or the proximal end of a portable medical
device. The signaling means are adapted, upon detection of the
magnetic field, to alert on the identification of the metals, if
the intensity of the magnetic field generated is above a
predetermined value so as to prevent gossypiboma.
[0231] In yet another embodiment of the invention the sensor is at
least one radiometer.
[0232] In yet another embodiment of the invention the signal is at
least one signal selected from a group consisting of (a) audible
signal, (b) visual signal, (c) sensible signal, and any combination
thereof.
[0233] In yet another embodiment of the invention the intensity of
the signal is in function of at least one parameter selected from a
group consisting of: depth of the metals from the surface of the
human body, the type of the metal, the quantity of the metals, and
any combination thereof.
[0234] In yet another embodiment of the invention the transmitting
means are adapted to generate a second magnetic field so as to
induce the magnetic field generated by the metal.
[0235] In yet another embodiment of the invention at least one
signaling means adapted, upon detection of the magnetic field, to
alert the identification of metals, if the flux of the magnetic
field is above a predetermined value.
[0236] In yet another embodiment of the invention the transmitting
means comprise means for generating a pulsed magnetic field.
[0237] In yet another embodiment of the invention the portable
medical device is a stethoscope, comprising: at least one chest
piece (1), reversibly in contact with a human body; at least one
ear tip (2); and tubing (3) connecting the same.
[0238] In yet another embodiment of the invention at least one
sensor and at least one signaling means are embedded within at
least one selected from a group consisting of: chest piece, ear
tip, tubing and a combination thereof.
[0239] In yet another embodiment of the invention the portable
medical device is selected from a group consisting of: (1)
stethoscope, (2) endoscope; (3) surgical item (graspers, forceps,
clamps, occluders, retractors, ribs and other tissue distractors,
positioners, stereotactic devices, mechanical cutters scalpels,
lancets, drill bits, rasps, trocars, ligasure, harmonic scalpel,
dilators and specula, suction tips and tubes, sealing devices,
surgical staplers, irrigation and injection needles, tips and
tubes, tyndallers, drills, dermatomes); and any combination
thereof.
[0240] In yet another embodiment of the invention the portable
medical device wherein the proximal end is located outside the
human body and the distal end is reversibly inserted within the
body.
[0241] In yet another embodiment of the invention a method for
preventing gossypiboma during a medical procedure, comprises steps
of: providing a metal detector comprising: at least one
transmitting means adapted to induce magnetic field generated by
metals to be detected; at least one sensor; at least one signaling
means; inducing, during a medical procedure, a magnetic field to be
generated by metals to be detected; sensing the magnetic field; if
the intensity of the magnetic field is above a predetermined
threshold, identifying the presence of the detectable metals by the
magnetic sensor; and sending a signal, thereby alerting the
detection of detectable metals; wherein the step of providing the
metal detector further comprising step of embedding the metal
detector within a portable medical device.
[0242] In yet another embodiment of the invention a method for
identifying detectable metals in a human body and underneath the
surface of the human, comprises steps of providing a metal detector
comprising: at least one transmitting means adapted to induce
magnetic field generated by metals to be detected selected from a
group consisting of: (1) antenna; (2) conductive coil; and any
combination thereof; at least one sensor; at least one signaling
means; inducing a magnetic field to be generated by the metals to
be detected; sensing the magnetic field; if the intensity of the
magnetic field is above a predetermined threshold, identifying the
presence of the detectable metals by the magnetic sensor; sending a
signal, thereby alerting the detection of the detectable metals;
wherein the step of providing the metal detector further comprising
step of embedding the metal detector within a portable medical
device.
[0243] The methods according to the previous embodiments
additionally comprising step of generating magnetic field in the
vicinity of the metals to be detected thereby inducing the magnetic
field generated by the metals to be detected.
[0244] The methods according to the previous embodiments wherein
the step of generating magnetic field is performed by at least one
selected from a group consisting of pulsed magnetic field or an
alternating magnetic field, thereby inducing currents within the
metals to be detected, thereby generating the magnetic field.
[0245] The methods according to the previous embodiments wherein at
least one signaling means adapted, upon detection of the magnetic
field, to alert the identification of metals, if the flux of the
magnetic field is above a predetermined value.
[0246] The methods according to the previous embodiments
additionally comprising step of selecting a sensor to be at least
one radiometer.
[0247] The methods according to the previous embodiments wherein
the signal is at least one signal selected from a group consisting
of (a) audible signal, (b) visual signal, (c) sensible signal, and
any combination thereof.
[0248] The methods according to the previous embodiments wherein
the intensity of the signal is in function of at least one
parameter selected from a group consisting of depth of the metals
from the surface of the human body, the type of the metal, the
quantity of the metals and any combination thereof.
[0249] The methods according to the previous embodiments wherein
the portable medical device is a stethoscope, comprises: at least
one chest piece (1), reversibly in contact with the human body; at
least one ear tip (2); and tubing (3) connecting the same.
[0250] The methods according to the previous embodiments wherein at
least one sensor and at least one signaling means are embedded
within at least one selected from a group consisting of the chest
piece, the ear tip, the tubing and a combination thereof.
[0251] The methods according to the previous embodiments wherein
the transmitting means comprise means for generating a pulsed
magnetic field.
* * * * *